Textile Testing Lab

With thorough testing, we make sure your products meet the highest industry standards.

What is textile testing?

Textile or fabric testing primarily includes assessing the quality, performance and safety of fabrics and materials used by different industries. By evaluating a wide array of physical, chemical and mechanical properties, textile or fabric testing ensures that textiles meet the required standards of durability, comfort and functionality.

Objectives of textile or fabric testing

The major objectives of fabric testing include quality control, performance testing under various usage conditions and verifying compliance with safety and environmental requirements. Testing helps manufacturers maintain consistency, meet customer expectations and improve durability. Additionally, fabric testing minimises product returns and complaints by aiding in the early detection of issues before the products reach the market.

Different types of textile testing

Textile or fabric testing includes a wide range of methods suited for specific fabric performance features, including physical tests like strength and abrasion, chemical tests on colorfastness and toxicity and functional tests on water repellency and flame resistance. Other specialized tests, such as antimicrobial efficacy or odour control tests may be conducted for textiles used in healthcare or sports. The type of test Testing varies by the type of fabric, its intended use and the industrial standard to which it must adhere.

How to choose the right textile tests

Choosing the right test method for your textile material depends upon the intended end-use of the product, as well as its regulatory requirements. Manufacturers must first define the specific features of their products, such as durability, breathability, flame test, or antimicrobial properties. This is followed by identifying the relevant industrial standards and regulations that must be met to market these products in given a specific region. Collaboration with a qualified testing laboratory can help tailor the tests to the particular needs of the product, thus reducing the time and effort required by the manufacturers.

Antimicrobial textile and fabric testing

Antimicrobial testing of textiles and fabrics is a set of microbiological tests used to determine the inhibitive effects of the material towards microbial growth, including bacteria, fungi and mold. Fabrics that possess antimicrobial properties prevent the growth of harmful microbes and hence find applications in healthcare, sportswear and other sectors where meeting high levels of hygiene is crucial. Fabric testing helps determine how efficiently these materials reduce microbial activity and their durability after repeated use or washing over a certain period.

Test methods for textiles

  • AATCC 100: 2019
Test method for assessing antibacterial finishes on textile materials
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  • JIS L 1902
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) to determine the antibacterial activity of textile
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  • ISO 20743: 2013
International Standard for the determination of the antibacterial activity of textiles
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  • ASTM E2149: 2020
Standard test method for determining the antimicrobial activity of immobilised antimicrobial agents under dynamic conditions.
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  • AATCC 147: 2004
Antibacterial activity assessment on textile materials using parallel streak method
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  • ISO 18184: 2019
Determination of the antiviral activity of textile products
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  • JIS L 1922: 2016
Determination of Antiviral Activity of Textile Products
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  • AATCC 30: 2004
Antifungal assessment and mildew resistance test
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  • Arm in cage method
Assessing the Efficacy of Mosquito Repellent-Impregnated Fabrics
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  • Bed Bug Repellency Test
Assessing the Efficacy of Bed bug Repellent-Impregnated Fabrics
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  • ISO 17299-3
Test method for assessing antibacterial finishes on textile materials
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Organisms tested in our textile testing laboratory

Bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), MRSA (ATCC 33591), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 10708)

Virus

SARS CoV-2, Beta Coronavirus (OC-43) (ATCC VR-1558) , Human Coronavirus (229E) (ATCC VR-740) , Influenza A (H1N1) (ATCC VR-1469) Influenza A (H3N2) (ATCC VR-1679), Adenovirus, Norovirus, Poliovirus, Vaccinia virus, Feline Calicivirus

Fungi

Candida albicans (MTCC 3017), Aspergillus niger (ATCC-16888)

Insects

Culicidae family, Cimex lectularius, Arachnid family and Pyroglyphidae family

Scope of textile products tested at MIS

Wadding
Thread
Denim fabric
Bedclothes
Home Furnishings
Surgical apparel and gloves
Face masks
Hospital bedding

Regulatory requirements and ISO
certifications for textile testing

Textiles must be tested in accordance with various regulatory standards to ensure compliance and international market acceptance. These regulations often vary depending on the region, industry and the intended use of the product. For example, in European countries, the European Union’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) for chemical safety governs the testing of textile products, while in the United States, CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) for children’s products takes over the responsibility of textile products safety for children specifically.
ISO certifications, such as ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management, respectively, play a crucial role in ensuring that textile products meet international standards. For specific antimicrobial properties of textiles, certifications such as ISO 20743 or ISO 18184 are widely recognised. Compliance with these standards assures that textiles have been rigorously tested and are guaranteed to meet global standards for safety, performance and sustainability.

Importance of textile and fabric testing

Fabric testing is essential for maintaining the quality, safety and performance of fabrics used in various industries. Below are key reasons why fabrictesting is crucial:

Quality assurance

Ensures that textiles meet specified quality standards and customer expectations.

Regulatory compliance

Verifies that textiles comply with national and international safety standards and regulations.

Innovation and development

Enables manufacturers to experiment with new antimicrobial formulations which leads to innovation.

Market competitiveness

Compliance helps manufacturers differentiate their products in a competitive market.

Risk management

Reduces the likelihood of product failures, legal liabilities, damage to brand reputation, and costly returns.

Advantages of antimicrobial testing on textile products

The current market has witnessed a drift from ordinary textiles to antimicrobial textiles. This shift has led to the development of antimicrobial-treated clothing materials to meet customer needs. The development of these textile products must be followed by rigorous testing to ensure their efficacy, quality and reliability against harmful microbes. In essence, antimicrobial testing of textiles plays an important role in product development.

Why Trust MIS Textile
Testing Laboratory?

Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS) is a leading global microbiology testing service provider for textiles, disinfectants, coatings and plastic industries. Our testing laboratory is well equipped with modern equipment and the latest technology thus being capable of undertaking test procedures. Our team of microbiologists and technical experts follow standard procedures and mandatory guidelines for antimicrobial textile testing while being committed to delivering quick and high-quality results.
Consult our experts for further information and to discuss quotations for testing services. Our consultation experts guide you through challenges and the best possible solutions for high-quality product development.

Other Industries

Entomology

Paints

Disinfectants & Sanitizers

Cosmetics

Plastics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is textile testing?
Textile testing is the process of assessing the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of textiles in addition to performance testing, colorfastness testing and antimicrobial efficacy testing. This ensures that they meet specified standards and quality criteria.
Why is textile or fabric testing important?
Textile testing is important to ensure the quality and safety of textile products. It helps manufacturers meet industry standards, regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
How does antimicrobial clothing work?
Antimicrobial clothing is designed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by incorporating antimicrobial agents into the fabric.
What is antimicrobial clothing?
Antimicrobial clothing refers to garments that have been treated with antimicrobial agents to reduce or eliminate the presence of microorganisms.
What are the common industry standards for textile testing labs?
Textile testing labs generally adhere to some of the common industry standards such as ASTM, ISO, AATCC and British Standards.

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